Grab These Safe 7% and 8% Dividend Stocks Now
The September inflation reading of 3% signifies moderate price growth, slightly above the Federal Reserve’s long-term target of 2% but lower than the elevated rates observed in 2022 and early 2023. This level of inflation indicates a 3% increase in the overall price level of goods and services compared to the same period a year earlier, impacting consumers’ purchasing power and potentially influencing central bank policy decisions. The September data came in slightly below expectations at 3.1%, with the upcoming reports for October and November 2025 set to be released this week on December 18, covering the 12 months ending in November 2025. If inflation remains contained, many experts believe this could pave the way for more rate cuts in 2026, especially if President Trump appoints a new Federal Reserve chairperson who is expected to be more dovish than current chair, Jay Powell.
Investing in high-yield dividend stocks could prove to be a lucrative strategy for growth and income investors in 2026. We have screened our 24/7 Wall St. high-yield dividend stock database to identify companies yielding 7% or more that are often overlooked by investors. Five stocks stood out on our screen, offering potential opportunities for investors. Three of these stocks are quality energy MLPs, which are likely to perform well regardless of current oil prices. These stocks are highly rated as Buy by leading Wall Street banks.
Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of cigarettes and tobacco-related products, offering a generous 7.22% dividend yield. The company manufactures and sells a variety of tobacco products, primarily selling cigarettes under the Marlboro brand. Altria also has investments in other companies, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. (NYSE: BUD). Goldman Sachs has a Buy rating on Altria with a $72 target price.
Energy Transfer L.P. (NYSE: ET) is a major midstream energy company in North America, paying a substantial 8.01% distribution to investors. The company owns and operates a diverse portfolio of energy assets across the United States, including natural gas midstream, transportation, and storage assets. J.P. Morgan has an Overweight rating on Energy Transfer shares with a $21 price target.
Healthpeak Properties Inc. (NYSE: DOC) is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on healthcare properties, offering a solid 7.28% dividend yield. The company owns, leases, and manages healthcare real estate, including properties for biotechnology, medical devices, scientific research, and outpatient medical services. Baird has an Outperform rating on Healthpeak with a $20 target price.
MPLX L.P. (NYSE: MPLX) is a diversified master limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corp., engaged in transporting crude oil, refined products, and natural gas liquids. The company pays a healthy 7.24% dividend yield and owns a network of pipelines, terminals, and processing facilities in key U.S. supply basins. Wells Fargo has set a $59 target price for MPLX shares with an Overweight rating.
Plains All American Pipeline L.P. (NYSE: PAA) operates in the transportation, terminalling, storage, and gathering of crude oil and natural gas liquids in the U.S. and Canada, offering an 8.64% dividend yield. The company’s assets include pipelines, terminals, storage facilities, and gathering systems for crude oil and NGLs. UBS has a Buy rating on Plains All American Pipeline with a $25 price target.
In summary, high-yield dividend stocks present an attractive investment opportunity for income-focused investors in 2026. By carefully selecting companies with strong fundamentals and high dividend yields, investors can potentially generate passive income while benefiting from potential capital appreciation. It is essential to conduct thorough research and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions to ensure a diversified and balanced portfolio.
